Delighted boss Rob Smith hailed AFC Telford United’s first home win of the season, declaring: “We’re in great shape.”

The Bucks beat Harrogate Town 2-1 in their Blue Square North clash on Saturday, Steve Torpey and Phil Trainer scoring in the second half.

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It was a welcome victory following three draws on home soil, and lifted them to fifth in the early league standings.

With three away wins to their name  as well, Smith declared himself well satisfied with Telford’s start to the campaign – despite some rumblings of discontent in recent weeks.

“That’s put the first home win to bed,” he said. “The pleasing thing for me, though, was that we played football – it was nice to get it down and show what we can do.

“Whatever anyone says about us, we have only lost one in eight. If we’d won all the games at home and drawn away, everyone would be saying how great we are.

“All I’m interested in is our form, and that was better on Saturday, that was more like us.”

The victory was the perfect tonic for Telford, who saw their squad reduced on Friday evening by striker Matt Nolan’s decision to leave the club.

Nolan has dropped two divisions to sign for Ryman League division one north side Lowestoft Town.

“Matt’s gone,” Smith Confirmed. “It’s disappointing that he’s decided to jump ship so early on, but I only want to talk about people that are here and we’ll be looking to bring in another body now.”

Teenage forward Dave Howarth was back on the bench for the Bucks on Saturday after a trial with Premier League side Blackburn Rovers – and the Ewood Park club could follow up their interest.

“He played in a game for their youth team that they won 5-0,” Smith revealed. “He didn’t score but it went okay and they’ve said they want him back for another game, so that’s encouraging.”

By CHRIS HUDSON